The case for: At age 32, Sasaki came to Seattle and immediately assumed the closer role after Jose Mesa blew 5 of 38 save opportunities with a 4.98 ERA a year earlier. The Japan native secured 37 saves in 40 chances en route to the Rookie of the Year Award and the team's ALCS run.

The case for: The former first-round pick joined the M's organization in January 2009, when the Red Sox traded him away from a minor leaguer. In 2009 the right-hander finished fourth in the AL with 38 saves before signing with the Yankees two seasons later.

The case for: The Japan native began his big league career with Seattle at the age of 30. In his rookie season Johjima caught 144 games and turned nine double plays, both more than any other AL catcher.

The case for: After playing in just 23 games in one season in Arizona after the D-Backs sent six players to Milwaukee to get him, Sexson signed with Seattle. With the M's he produced like a player worth six. An MVP candidate, Sexson finished sixth in home runs and RBIs. Though, he did lead the league in punch outs with 167.

The case for: Sele, a Washington State alumnus, was selected to the 2000 All-Star game after beginning the year 11-3 with a 3.95 ERA, and finished the season with four crucial wins in September to help seal the AL Wild Card spot by just a game over the Cleveland Indians.

The case for: After the Astros upped Robert’s pay to keep him from playing in the NFL on Sundays, he was traded to Seattle in the December of 1977. In his first season with the 1-year-old M’s, Roberts was an MVP candidate while ranking in the AL's top 10 in batting average, slugging percentage, assists as a right fielder ... and hit by pitches. Ouch.

The case for: Following his 162-game season with the New York Mets, the Seattle native proved to be one of the best all-around first baseman in the game by winning his first of three Gold Gloves in his debut season, while also knocking in 103 runs. Olerud's ability to make contact is evidence by his 45 doubles and positive walk-to-strikeout ratio.

The case for: An early offseason trade acquisition, one of Fassero's best seasons as a starter came in his first in Seattle. His 35 starts led the majors and he ranked in the top 10 of the AL in strikeouts, innings pitched, ERA and wins.

The case for: Seattle selected Jones with the first pick of the 1976 expansion draft from the Royals. In the M’s debut season, Jones was Seattle’s first All-Star and first player to lead the team in home runs. His production helped keep the M’s out of last place of the seven-team AL West.

The case for: After signing a 10-year, $240 million contract through the 2023 season, Cano was up to pace with his yearly averages, minus a few doubles and homers. The 2014 All-Star finished fifth in MVP voting while trying to be an offensive juggernaut for a team that finished second-to-last in hitting and a game out of the playoffs.

The case for: A part of a 12-player trade between the Indians, Mets and Mariners, Gutierrez seemed like a steal after his first season in Seattle. Gutierrez led the AL in defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR) for positions players, and seventh overall WAR (6.6) in the AL, while making a meager $455,000 salary.

The case for: A year after signing Robinson Cano to a 10-year deal, the M's made yet another splash before the 2015 season. Cruz, who led the majors in home runs in 2014, wasn't expected to repeat his production in 2015. However the 2015 All-Star has more home runs and hits than he did a year ago at this time, and a batting average 64 points higher. If someone could just get on base for the man he might be able to win Seattle's first ever Triple Crown.

The case for: Boone had no better year in his career than his first full season in Seattle. It was awarded with an All-Star starter selection at Safeco Field, a Silver Slugger and third place in MVP voting -- behind only Jason Giambi and the No. 1 player on this list.

The case for: 2001...Rookie of the Year, All-Star game starter, Golden Glove and Silver Slugger winner, and Most Valuable Player... Ichiro Suzuki. He led the league in hits, at-bats, plate appearances, stolen bass and hitting. Enough said.